By David Rogers. LINVILLE, N.C. — More than a dozen members of The Rotary Club of Blowing Rock got a firsthand look at Grandfather Mountain’s education programs on May 4, discovering a world experienced by more than 12,000 students and their advisors in the past year.
Education specialist Elizabeth Warfield led the presentation and tour for the Rotarians, outlining the learning opportunities about nature and conservation offered by the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation, which includes a curated “Classroom in the Clouds” field trips, expert-led adult field courses and specialized teacher workshops. Warfield explained the education programs at Grandfather Mountain focus on nature study, environmental education, and wildlife conservation through hands-on, on-mountain experiences tailored especially for schools, as well as for adults and professional development.
Near the feature-rich Wilson Center for Nature Discovery, is of the newer education attractions on the Grandfather Mountain property: “Yoshi’s Clubhouse,” a 1,300-square foot, ADA-accessible, indoor education center with 10 interactive exhibits. The Rotarians toured the clubhouse, learning about the study of ecosystems, pollinators, and weather. Highlights include a seek-and-find forest mural, live animal glass habitats, a full-scale tree model, a drawing nook, a microscope station and connections to outdoor pollinator/sensory gardens.
Warfield explained that understanding the science behind ecosystems, nature and wildlife is an important emphasis in all of Grandfather Mountain’s education offerings.
A Summary of Key Education Opportunities & Usage Examples at Grandfather Mountain
- Classroom in the Clouds (K-12): Curriculum-based field trips focusing on science standards, such as guided hikes studying habitats or “nature discovery” sessions at the Wilson Center.
- Wild Watch Program: A specific partnership with local schools that provides in-school visits and field trips for 1st, 3rd, and 5th-grade students, focusing on experiential learning.
- Adult Field Courses & Workshops: In-depth, in-person courses from May to October on topics like birding, fungi, photography, and botany, often featuring expert naturalists.
- Educator Workshops: Training for professionals, such as “Project Learning Tree” and “Methods of Teaching Environmental Education” (MOTEE), which provide CEU credits.
- Daily Programs & Group Tours: Guided interpretive hikes, animal habitat tours (bears, otters, eagles), and “Nature at the Bridge” sessions designed for adults and groups.
- Mobile Outreach Programs: Naturalists bring educational presentations and materials directly to schools or organizations.
The Rotary Club of Blowing Rock meets each Monday from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m., at The Meadowbrook Inn in Blowing Rock. Periodically, the group meet at special locations, such as the May 4 excursion to Grandfather Mountain. Another recent meeting included serving at F.A.R.M. Cafe.
The key tenets of Rotary clubs throughout the world are providing members with opportunities for fellowship, networking and service, with a central motto of “Service Above Self.”
